Flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joint and method of installing same

ABSTRACT

Flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joint and method of installing same. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly includes a first arm having a first length and a first thickness, a second arm having a second length and a second thickness mechanically coupled to the first arm, and a structural fill coupled to the first and second arms configured to maintain the relative positions of the first and second arms. The structural fill fills a volume enclosed by the first and the second arms. The first and second arms may be cast together as a single piece from material comprising silicone.

RELATED CASE(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/478,466, filed Mar. 29, 2017, to Ralph Titus, entitled, “Flexible Sheet Arrangement for Seismic Expansion Joint and Method of Installing Same,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of expansion joints. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints and methods of installing same.

BACKGROUND

An expansion joint, in general, spans a gap between separate structures. For example, when a new building is built near an existing building, or a “wing” is added to an existing building, a gap, for example, of between 2 to 48 inches, is left between the structures. There is typically no structural connection between the two structures. The gap allows for relative movements of two structures, e.g., moving toward, away, up, down, and/or at an angle, relative to each structure. Expansion joints also allow for relative motion due to a variety of causes, including, for example, expansion and/or contraction due to changing temperature, movement due to wind, and/or seismic events, e.g., earthquakes. The expansion joint generally protects the gap from the elements under normal conditions.

Unfortunately, many conventional expansion joints will suffer damage or be destroyed during such movements. In addition, many conventional expansion joints are designed for only one axis of compliance. For example, a conventional expansion joint may tolerate a small level of motion when two structures move directly toward or directly away from one another. However, such a conventional expansion joint may not tolerate any side-to-side and/or up and down relative motion between the two structures. In addition, conventional expansion joints are limited in the size of a gap that such joints may span. Further, conventional expansion joints may not tolerate a predicted range of relative motion that is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, what are needed are flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints and methods of installing the same. What are additionally needed are flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that tolerate smaller distances between structural members. What is also needed are flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that tolerate a greater range of movement for a given gap size. Further, there exists a need for flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that function during long-duration events, e.g., earthquakes, sustained winds, and/or long periods of high temperatures. Still further, a need exists for flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that are compatible and complementary with existing systems and methods of construction and building materials. Embodiments of the present invention provide these advantages.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly includes a first arm having a first length and a first thickness, a second arm having a second length and a second thickness mechanically coupled to the first arm, and a structural fill coupled to the first and second arms configured to maintain the relative positions of the first and second arms. The structural fill fills a volume enclosed by the first and the second arms. The first and second arms may be cast together as a single piece from material including silicone.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly is configured for attaching an expansion joint to a building. The bracket assembly includes first and second bracket arms including cast silicone and a structural fill coupled to the first and second bracket arms configured to maintain the relative positions of the first and second bracket arms. The structural fill fills a volume enclosed by the first and the second arms and extends at least out to a line from the end of the first bracket arm to the end of the second bracket arm. The bracket assembly also includes a first part of a two part reclosable mechanical closure system attached to the first bracket arm on a face away from the second bracket arm.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a flexible sheet arrangement for a expansion joint includes first and second bracket arms cast together from material including silicone, a structural fill including structural foam coupled to the first and second bracket arms configured to maintain the relative positions of the first and second bracket arms and a flexible sheet forming an expansion joint coupled to the first bracket arm.

In accordance with a method embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly is attached to a building. A first part of a two-part reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the top portion of the bracket assembly. The second part of the two-part reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to a sheet of elastomeric material forming an expansion joint. The two parts of the two part reclosable mechanical closure system are mated together to attach the expansion joint to the bracket assembly. The above operations are repeated for a second bracket assembly on a second building. A portion of at least one of the two mated two part reclosable mechanical closure systems is unmated. The lay of the expansion joint is adjusted. The unmated portion(s) of the two part reclosable mechanical closure systems are remated.

BRIEF DESCRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joints, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged side sectional diagram of wall fastener assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joints, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joints, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it is understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

Flexible Sheet Arrangement for Expansion Joint and Method of Installing Same

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joint 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that arrangement 100 extends perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 1, for example, for the extent of an expansion joint. Arrangement 100 comprises an expansion joint 130, spanning from a roof 120 to a wall 110. The roof 120 is separated from the wall 110 by a horizontal gap of, for example, 2 to 48 inches. Such a gap allows for relatively different movements of two structures, e.g., moving toward, away, up, down, and/or at an angle from one another, at different times. Such movement may occur, for example, as a result of a seismic event, due to wind loading, and/or due to thermal expansion. The roof 120 need not be horizontal. It is to be appreciated that expansion joint 130 may allow for 100% movement. For example, if the horizontal gap between roof 120 and wall 110 is normally 12 inches, expansion joint 130 may accommodate a temporary movement that increases the horizontal gap to 24 inches.

A wall fastener assembly 140 is anchored to wall 110. Expansion joint 130 is attached to wall fastener assembly 140 via a fastening system 160. A sealant/adhesive material 150 is applied to the upper surface of expansion joint 130 where it meets wall 110. A sealant/adhesive material 151 is applied to the upper surface of expansion joint 130 where it meets roof 120. A sealant/adhesive material 152 is applied to the lower surface of expansion joint 130 where it meets roof 120. A sealant/adhesive material 153 is applied between wall fastener assembly 140 and wall 110.

The lower roof-end attachment of expansion joint 130, e.g., the location of sealant/adhesive 152, may be attached via a second instance (not shown) of wall fastener assembly 140, fastening system 160, and sealant/adhesive 153, in some embodiments. For example, a second instance of wall fastener assembly 140, fastening system 160 and sealant/adhesive 153 may replace sealant/adhesive 152 to attach expansion joint 130 to roof 120.

The sealant/adhesive materials 150, 151, 152 should be applied continuously over the extent (above and below the plane of FIG. 1) of the expansion joint 130. The fastening system 160 and wall fastener assembly 140 may be substantially continuous over the extent of the expansion joint 130. However, that is not required. For example, instances of the fastening system 160 and wall fastener assembly 140 may repeated, e.g., at regular intervals with gaps in between, along the extent of the expansion joint 130. Alternatively, the fastening system 160 and bracket 141 (FIG. 2, below) may be continuous, while wall fastener 142 (FIG. 2, below) occurs at intervals. All such combinations and permutations are considered within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, expansion joint 130 may comprise an elastomeric sheet material, e.g., comprising silicone, for example, a minimum of 0.125 inches in thickness. Other thicknesses may be used. However, in general, relatively thinner material may generally tolerate expansion and/or stretching better than relatively thicker material. Sealant/adhesive 150, 151, 152 and 153 may comprise any suitable sealant with suitable adhesive characteristics, suitable for an expected range of temperature and exhibiting suitable UV (sunlight) stability. Materials 150, 151, 152 and 153 may be the same material, but that is not required. One suitable material is Dow Corning® 795 Silicone Building Sealant, commercially available from Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, Mich.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, expansion joint 130 may be textured, e.g., via a molding process, on the exposed surface, e.g., to mimic or blend with the surface material and/or texture. Such texturing may decrease the frequency of birds pecking at the expansion joint 130, beneficially increasing its life. The expansion joint 130 may also be colored. A combination of texture(s), e.g., brick, stone and/or wood patterns, and color may be used to match the adjacent structure(s).

Fastening system 160 attaches expansion joint 130 to wall fastener assembly 140. Fastening system 160 may comprise a suitable sealant/adhesive, e.g., a material similar to or the same as that of sealant/adhesive 150, 151, 152 and/or 153. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, fastening system 160 may comprise a variety of reclosable mechanical closure systems, including, for example, a hook and loop closure system, slidingly engaging fasteners, and/or Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners, commercially available from the 3M Company of Maplewood, Minn., and the like. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also comprise vinyl (or similar) glass retainers as commonly used for windows and screens. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also be manufactured within the expansion joint 130, e.g., via injection molding and/or 3D printing processes. A first portion of a reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the expansion joint 130, and a second portion of the reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the wall fastener assembly 140 (bracket 141 of FIG. 2, below). The use of a reclosable mechanical closure system advantageously allows the expansion joint to be adjusted, e.g., “pulled tight” in all dimensions, during assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Such adjustability further enables embodiments in accordance with the present invention to accommodate variations in an inter-structure gap, for example, when buildings and/or walls are not perfectly aligned.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged side sectional diagram 200 of wall fastener assembly 140, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Wall fastener assembly 140 comprises a bracket 141 attached to wall 110 via wall fastener 142. Bracket 141 may be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, polymers, including injection-molded plastics, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, copper, bonderized metal, 3D printed materials, PVC, including flexible PVC, and the like. Wall fastener 142 may comprise any suitable joining system suitable for the wall 110 material, for example, a nail, a screw, a lag bolt, etc. The angle of bracket 141 should approximate the angle that expansion joint 130 makes with wall 110, but that is not critical.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joint 300, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that arrangement 300 extends perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 3, for example, for the extent of an expansion joint. Arrangement 300 comprises an expansion joint 330, spanning from a first roof 320 to a second roof 321. As illustrated, first roof 320 and second roof 321 are approximately the same height, although there is no limit as to a height mismatch, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The vertical edge of first roof 320 is separated from the vertical edge of second roof 321 by distance d1. Brackets 341 are anchored to first and second roofs 320, 321, or to corresponding walls, by roof fasteners 342. Expansion joint 330 is attached to brackets 341 via a fastening system 360. A sealant/adhesive material 351 is applied to the end of expansion joint 130 where it meets first roof 320. A sealant/adhesive material 352 is applied to the end of expansion joint 130 where it meets second roof 321. A sealant/adhesive material 353 is applied between brackets 341 and the first and second roofs 320, 321. It is to be appreciated that expansion joint 330 may comprise the same material as sealant/adhesive materials 351, 352 and 353.

The sealant/adhesive materials 351, 352 should be applied continuously over the extent (above and below the plane of FIG. 3) of the expansion joint 330. The brackets 341 and fastening assembly 360 may be substantially continuous over the extent of the expansion joint 330. However, that is not required. For example, instances of the brackets 341 and fastening assembly 360, e.g., at regular or irregular intervals, along the extent of the expansion joint 330. All such combinations and permutations are considered within the scope of the present invention.

Brackets 341 may be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, 18 gauge aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, copper, and the like. Roof fastener 342 may comprise any suitable joining system suitable for the roof 320, 321 materials, for example, nails, screws, lag bolts, etc. The angle of bracket 341 is illustrated as at approximately 90 degrees to the mounting surface, e.g., parallel to the roofs, but that is not required. Bracket 341 may have any required angle. Brackets 341 have an angled portion of dimension d2.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, expansion joint 330 may comprise an elastomeric sheet material, for example, comprising silicone, plastic or other stretchable material, a minimum of 0.125 inches in thickness. Other thicknesses may be used. However, relatively thinner material may generally tolerate expansion and/or stretching better than relatively thicker material. Sealant/adhesive 351, 352, and 353 may comprise any suitable sealant with suitable adhesive characteristics, suitable for an expected range of temperature and exhibiting suitable UV (sunlight) stability. Materials 351, 352 and 353 may be the same material, but that is not required. Exemplary suitable materials include Dow Corning® 795 Silicone Building Sealant, commercially available from Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, Mich., Pecora 890FTS Silicone Sealant, commercially available from Pecora Corporation of Harleysville, Pa., and/or MasterSeal NP 150, commercially available from BASF Corporation, Florham Park, N.J.

Fastening system 360 attaches expansion joint 330 to brackets 141. Fastening system 360 may comprise a suitable sealant/adhesive, e.g., a material similar to or the same as that of sealant/adhesive 351, 352 and/or 353. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, fastening system 360 may comprise a variety of reclosable mechanical closure systems, including, for example, a hook and loop closure system, slidingly engaging fasteners, and/or Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners, commercially available from the 3M Company of Maplewood, Minn., and the like. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also comprise vinyl (or similar) glass retainers as commonly used for windows and screens. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also be manufactured within the expansion joint 330, e.g., via injection molding and/or 3D printing processes. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may be cast into the brackets 141, in some embodiments. A first portion of a reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the expansion joint 330, and a second portion of the reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the brackets 341. The use of a reclosable mechanical closure system advantageously allows the expansion joint to be adjusted, e.g., “pulled tight” in all dimensions, during assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

If the length of the angled portion of brackets 341, e.g., dimension d2, is a significant fraction of the roof separation, e.g., dimension d1, the available negative compliance in the horizontal dimension, for example, when first and second roofs 320, 321 get closer, may not be sufficient. For example, if dimension d1 is four inches, and dimension d2 is one inch, the two brackets 341 will crash together if the first and second roofs 320, 320 travel to two inches closer together. Such a crash will likely damage the brackets 141 and will likely cause expansion joint 330 to separate from one or both brackets 141 and/or separate from the first and/or second roofs 320, 321. In addition, such a crash may cause damage to one or both of roofs 320, 320.

Brackets 141, 341 may be formed from compressible materials, e.g., foam, rubber, plastic, silicon, and the like. Such compressible materials may not cause damage or be damaged by such “crashes,” in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side sectional diagram of an exemplary flexible sheet arrangement for expansion joint 400, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that arrangement 400 extends perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 4, for example, for the extent of an expansion joint. Arrangement 400 comprises an expansion joint 430, spanning from a roof or wall 420 to another structure (not shown). It is appreciated that a similar arrangement for an expansion joint (not shown) will be provided at the other end of expansion joint 430. Arrangement 400 comprises a bracket 441. Bracket 441 comprises two arms. In the view of FIG. 4, one arm is vertical and one arm is horizontal. Expansion joint 430 is attached to bracket 441 via a fastening system 460. A sealant/adhesive material 451 is applied to the upper surface of expansion joint 430 where it meets roof or wall 420. A sealant/adhesive material 453 is applied between bracket 441 and roof or wall 420. Optionally, a wall fastener, e.g., similar to wall fastener 142 of FIG. 2, may be used in addition to sealant/adhesive material 453 to attach bracket 441 to roof or wall 420. For example, a wall fastener may hold bracket 441 in place while sealant/adhesive material 453 cures.

The sealant/adhesive material 451 should be applied continuously over the extent (above and below the plane of FIG. 4) of the expansion joint 430. The fastening system 460 and bracket 441 may be substantially continuous over the extent of the expansion joint 430. However, that is not required. For example, instances of the fastening system 460 and bracket 441 may repeated, e.g., at regular intervals, along the extent of the expansion joint 430. All such combinations and permutations are considered within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, expansion joint 430 may comprise an elastomeric sheet material, e.g., comprising silicone, or other flexible materials, for example, a minimum of 0.125 inches in thickness. Other thicknesses may be used. However, relatively thinner material may generally tolerate expansion and/or stretching better than relatively thicker material. Sealant/adhesive 451 and 453 may comprise any suitable sealant with suitable adhesive characteristics, suitable for an expected range of temperature and exhibiting suitable UV (sunlight) stability. Materials 451 and 453 may be the same material, but that is not required. One suitable material is Dow Corning® 795 Silicone Building Sealant, commercially available from Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, Mich.

Fastening system 460 attaches expansion joint 430 to bracket 441. Fastening system 460 may comprise a suitable sealant/adhesive, e.g., a material similar to or the same as that of sealant/adhesive 451 and/or 453. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, fastening system 460 may comprise a variety of reclosable mechanical closure systems, including, for example, a hook and loop closure system, slidingly engaging fasteners, and/or Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners, commercially available from the 3M Company of Maplewood, Minn., and the like. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also be manufactured within the expansion joint 430, e.g., via injection molding and/or 3D printing processes. Reclosable mechanical closure systems may also comprise vinyl (or similar) glass retainers as commonly used for windows and screens. A first portion of a reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the expansion joint 430, and a second portion of the reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the bracket 441. The use of a reclosable mechanical closure system advantageously allows the expansion joint to be adjusted, e.g., “pulled tight” in all dimensions, during assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Bracket 441 is formed from a compressible material, e.g., cast silicone, foam, rubber-like materials, fiberglass, PVC, and the like. For example, the compressible material should be stiff and solid, but not inflexible. The material is selected such that relative structural movement, as previously described, temporarily deforms the material of bracket 441, allowing expansion joint 430 to remain attached to bracket 441. Bracket 441 should also be weaker in compression than the building material of roof or wall 420, such that a crash does not damage the building structure. Bracket 441 is supported by structural fill 445, for example, structural foam. The structural material should be compatible with the material of bracket 441. Structural fill 445 will typically be formed along the extent (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4) of the bracket 441, but that is not required. Structural fill 445 is not a strut or isolated member, for example. Rather, structural fill 445 fills a volume enclosed by the bracket 441 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Structural fill 445 supports bracket 441, and is configured to maintain the relative positions of the first and second arms of bracket 441. For example, tension from expansion joint 430 may tend to pull the upper arm of bracket 441 up, and out of place. Structural fill 445 is configured to resist such movement. Structural fill 445 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, e.g., triangular, rectangular, and/or bowed, and the like. Both legs of bracket 441 are typically the same thickness, e.g., dimension d3 equals dimension d4, but that is not required. Dimension d3 and dimension d4 may be about 0.25 inches, for example. The legs of bracket 441 are generally the same length (in the plane of FIG. 4), e.g., one to a few inches, but that is not required.

Bracket 441 may be formed at a variety of angles, e.g., 90 degrees as illustrated in FIG. 4, 135 degrees (45 degrees “up”) and/or 45 degrees (“down”), for a variety of applications. For example, a bracket of 135 degrees may be suitable for use on a low roof in conjunction with a 45 degree bracket on a higher wall, forming, e.g., supplementary angles.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In 510, a bracket assembly, for example, comprising bracket 441 with structural fill 445, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is attached to a building. The attachment typically is via a sealant/adhesive material, e.g., sealant/adhesive 453 of FIG. 4. The attachment may also comprise a wall fastener, e.g., wall fastener 142 of FIG. 2. A wall fastener may advantageously attach the bracket assembly to the building while the sealant/adhesive material cures.

In 520, a first part of a two-part reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to the top portion of the bracket assembly. The attachment is usually via adhesive, which may be supplied with the two-part reclosable mechanical closure system, e.g., an adhesive backing, or may be applied separately. In 530, the second part of the two-part reclosable mechanical closure system is attached to a sheet of elastomeric material forming an expansion joint, for example, expansion joint 430 of FIG. 4. In 540, the two parts of the two part reclosable mechanical closure system are mated together to attach the expansion joint to the bracket assembly.

Subsequent to 540, operations 510 through 540 are optionally repeated for a second bracket assembly on a second building. In optional 550, a portion of at least one of the two mated two part reclosable mechanical closure systems is unmated. In optional 560, the lay of the expansion joint is adjusted. In optional 570, the unmated portion(s) of the two part reclosable mechanical closure systems are remated.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints and methods of installing the same. In addition, embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that tolerate crashes when structures more toward one another. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention also provide flexible sheet arrangements that tolerate up to 100% of movement for a given gap size. Further, embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that function during long-duration events, e.g., earthquakes, sustained winds, and/or long periods of high temperatures. Still further, embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide flexible sheet arrangements for expansion joints that are compatible and complementary with existing systems and methods of construction and building materials.

Various embodiments of the invention are thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the below claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket assembly comprising: a first arm having a first length and a first thickness; a second arm having a second length and a second thickness mechanically coupled to said first arm; and a structural fill coupled to said first and second arms configured to maintain the relative positions of said first and second arms, wherein said structural fill fills a volume enclosed by said first and said second arms.
 2. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first arm and said second arm are cast together as a single piece from material comprising silicone.
 3. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said structural fill comprises structural foam.
 4. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first arm and said second arm form an angle of substantially 90 degrees.
 5. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first arm and said second arm form an angle of less than or equal to 45 degrees.
 6. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first arm and said second arm form an angle of greater than or equal to 45 degrees.
 7. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second arm thickness are approximately equal.
 8. A bracket assembly configured for attaching an expansion joint to a building, said bracket assembly comprising: first and second bracket arms comprising a flexible material; a structural fill coupled to said first and second bracket arms configured to maintain the relative positions of said first and second bracket arms, wherein said structural fill fills a volume enclosed by said first and said second arms and extends at least out to a line from the end of said first bracket arm to the end of said second bracket arm; and a first part of a two-part reclosable mechanical closure system attached to said first bracket arm on a face away from said second bracket arm.
 9. The bracket assembly of claim 8 wherein said structural fill forms a triangle in cross section between said first and second bracket arms.
 10. The bracket assembly of claim 8 wherein said structural fill forms a rectangle in cross section.
 11. The bracket assembly of claim 8 wherein said structural fill does not form a triangle or a rectangle in cross section.
 12. The bracket assembly of claim 8 further comprising a second part of said two-part reclosable mechanical closure system attached to said first part, wherein said second part is attached to an expansion joint.
 13. The bracket assembly of claim 12 wherein said expansion joint comprises a sheet of elastomeric material.
 14. The bracket assembly of claim 8 wherein said second bracket arm is attached to said building via a sealant material having adhesive characteristics.
 15. A flexible sheet arrangement for an expansion joint comprising: first and second bracket arms cast together from material comprising silicone; a structural fill comprising structural foam coupled to said first and second bracket arms configured to maintain the relative positions of said first and second bracket arms; and a flexible sheet forming an expansion joint coupled to said first bracket arm.
 16. The flexible sheet arrangement of claim 15 wherein said flexible sheet comprises an elastomeric material.
 17. The flexible sheet arrangement of claim 16 wherein said elastomeric material comprises silicone.
 18. The flexible sheet arrangement of claim 15 wherein said flexible sheet comprises a repeating textured pattern.
 19. The flexible sheet arrangement of claim 15 wherein said flexible sheet is coupled to said first bracket arm via a two-part reclosable mechanical closure system.
 20. The flexible sheet arrangement of claim 15 wherein said second bracket arm is attached to a building via an adhesive material. 